FOREWORD

Groundwater is an essential component of the environment and economy. It sustains

the flow in our rivers and plays an important role in maintaining the fragile
ecosystems. The groundwater dependence of agrarian states like Karnataka is high.
Recent studies indicate that 26 percent of the area of Karnataka State is under over
exploited category and number of blocks is under critical category. In view of the
growing concerns of sustainability of ground water sources, immediate attention is
required to augment groundwater resources in stressed areas. Irrigated agriculture in
the state is putting additional stress on the groundwater system and needs proper
management of the resources.

Central Ground Water Board is providing all technical input for effective management
of ground water resources in the state. The groundwater scenario compiled on
administrative divisions gives a better perspective for planning various ground water
management measures by local administrative bodies. With this objective, Central
Ground Water Board is publishing the revised groundwater information booklet for all
the districts of the state.

I do appreciate the efforts of Dr. K.Md.Najeeb, Regional Director and his fleet of
dedicated Scientists of South Western Region, Bangalore for bringing out this
booklet. I am sure these brochures will provide a portrait of the groundwater
resources in each district for planning effective management measures by the
administrators, planners and the stake holders.

Sushil Gupta
Chairman

2
 PREFACE

Ground water contributes to about eighty percent of the drinking water requirements
in the rural areas, fifty percent of the urban water requirements and more than fifty
percent of the irrigation requirements of the nation. Central Ground Water Board has
decided to bring out district level ground water information booklets highlighting the
ground water scenario, its resource potential, quality aspects, recharge – discharge
relationship, vulnerability area etc., for all the districts of the country. As part of this,
Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore, is preparing such
booklets for all the 30 districts of Karnataka state, incorporating the data up to the
period 2011-12.

The Bellary District Ground Water Information Booklet has been prepared
based on the information available and data collected from various state and central
government organisations by several hydro-scientists of Central Ground Water
Board with utmost care and dedication. This booklet has been prepared by Shri Sri.
K.N.Nagaraj, Scientist D, Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region,
Bangalore. The figures were prepared by Sri. J. Sivaramakrishnan, Assistant
Hydrogeologist and the rainfall data provided by Shri H.P.Jayaprakash Scientist-C.
The efforts of Report processing section in finalising and bringing out the report in
this format are commendable.

I take this opportunity to congratulate them for the diligent and careful compilation
and observation in the form of this booklet, which will certainly serve as a guiding
document for further work and help the planners, administrators, academicians,
hydrogeologists and engineers to plan and manage the water resources in a better
way in the district.
.

(Dr. K.Md.Najeeb)
Regional Director

3
 MYSORE DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
Sl. ITEMS STATISTICS
No.
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
i) Geographical area (Sq Km) 6763.82
ii) Administrative Divisions
Number of Tehsils / taluks 7, H.D.Kote, Hunsur, K.R.Nagar, Mysore,
Nanjangud, Periyapatna, T. Narasipur
No. of Panchayat /Villages : 235/1216 + 124
iii) Population (As per 2011 Census) 29,94,744
iv) Average annual rain fall (1901-70) 782 (697 – 904) mm
2 GEOMORPHOLOGY
Major Physiographic Units The district is classified as uplands area. However
the south-western parts of the district falls under
semi-malnad category with elevation ranging
from 2200 to 3150 mamsl, where as the general
elevation of uplands is 700-900 m amsl. The
malnad region is covered under forest.
Major Drainages Drained by 5 perennial rivers namely East flowing
Cauvery, Kabini, Nugu, Gundal and
Lakshmanthirtha The major drainage in the
district is the east flowing Cauvery River.
3 LAND USE (ha) 2009-10)
Forest area 69420
Net area sown 380541
Cultivable wasteland 2568
Area sown more than once 238433
4 MAJOR SOIL TYPES Red sandy soils, Red loamy soils
And Deep black soils
5 AREA UNDER PRINCIPAL CROPS Crop Area
(2004-2005) in ha Paddy 118084
Ragi 79824
Jowar 19819
Pulses 119016
Oilseeds 25551
Fruits & Vegetable 9572
Sugar cane 9535
Tobacco 59482
Cotton 71938
Others 69785
Total 582606
6 IRRIGATION BY DIFF. SOURCES Area (Ha) Number
Dug wells 10323
Bore wells 5795 -
Tanks/ Ponds 17377 -
Canals 87685 -
Lift 375
Other Sources -
Net Irrigated Area 121555

4
7 NUMBER OF GROUND WATER
MONITORING STATIONS OF
CGWB
(As on 31-03-2007) 53
Number Dug wells 12
Number of Piezometers
8 PREDOMINANT GEOLOGICAL
FORMATIONS
Recent Alluvium
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ U n c o n f o r m i t y ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pre-Cambrian Closepet Granites, Ultra basic /
(Intrusives) Basic Intrusives

Lower Pre-Cambrian Metavolcanics, Metasediments

Archaean Gneisses and Charnockites

9 HYDROGEOLOGY
Major Water Bearing Formations -
Shallow aquifers of alluvium along the stream courses and weathered zones of Granites and
gneisses occurring between the depths of 8 to 14 m bgl.
Deeper aquifers of jointed and fractured Granites, gneisses and Charnockites occurring
between the depths of 25 to 200 m bgl.
Pre-monsoon Water Levels during 2011 1.110 – 13.28 m bgl

Post-monsoon Water Levels during 2011 1.00 – 9.750mbgl

Long term water level Pre-monsoon National Hydrograph Stations (NHS) water
mean levels mean 1.010m to9.931mbgl.
(2001-2010) in m/year: Post-monsoon NH Stations water levels have shown mean
water levels are

10 GROUND WATER EXPLORATION BY

C.G.W.B.
(As on 31-03-2007)
No of wells drilled EW: 34, OW: 18,
Depth range (m) 35.00 – 92.00 m bgl
Discharge (litres / second) <1.0 – 8.0 Litres / second.
Storitivity (S)
Transmissivity (m2/day) 20 – 900 m2 / day.

5
11 GROUND WATER QUALITY
Presence of chemical constituent more than Chemical quality of Ground water Suitable for
the permissible limit all purposes in Major parts of the district.

12 DYNAMIC GROUND WATER

RESOURCES (mcm) (2009)
Annual replenish able Ground Water 42944.34
Resources
Net annual Ground Water Draft 23822.33
Projected demand for Domestic and 6133.36
Industrial uses up to 2025
Stage of Ground Water development as on 63%
March 2009 (%)
13 AWARENESS AND TRAINING
ACTIVITY
Mass Awareness Programmes Organized One
Date February 2004
Place Mysore
No of participants 325
Water Management Training Programmes Nil
organised:
14 EFFORTS OF ARTIFICIAL Nil
RECHARGE &
RAIN WATER HARVESTING:
Projects completed by CGWB Nil
(No and amount spent)
Projects under technical guidance of Nil
C.G.W.B. (numbers)
15 GROUND WATER CONTROL AND
REGULATION
Number of OE Blocks 1, Mysore (P)
Number of Critical Blocks ---
Number of Blocks notified Nil

16 MAJOR GROUND WATER Groundwater development has reached 63%

PROBLEMS AND ISSUES for the district as a whole. As groundwater
level, is declining in some parts, revitalising
by cleaning and deepening the dug wells will
help in augmenting the yield. Adopting
watershed treatment is a good option to
control in augmenting the natural recharge.

6
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 General:
Mysore city was the capital of the former princely State of Mysore and on
independence it became part of Madras presidency. On the linguistic reorganisation
of the States in 1956 a new state named Mysore State was formed with its
headquarters at Bangalore in which Mysore was a district. Later, on the first of
November 1973, the state was renamed as Karnataka. The then Mysore district
comprised of 3 sub-divisions viz. Mysore, Hunsur and Nanjangud which were sub
divided into 11 taluks with a total area of 11954 sq.km. The district was bifurcated
with the creation of a new district viz. Chamarajanagar, with its headquarters at
Chamrajanagar by taking out the taluks, Chamarajanagar, Gundlupet, Kollegal, and
Yellandur. Thus the district at present consists of 7 taluks with a total area of 6269
Sq.km.

1.2 Location:
Mysore district falls in the survey of India degree sheet Nos. 48P, 57D, 57H and 58A.
The district is bounded by north latitudes 110 45' - 120 40' and east longitudes 750 59'
-770 05' covering an area of 6269 Sq. km. The district is one of the southern most
districts of the state and is bordered by Kodagu district in the west, Chamarajanagar
district in the south and south east, Mandya district in the north, Hassan district in the
north west and the Cannanore district of Kerala state in the south west.

1.3 Administrative Set up:

Mysore district is divided into 7 taluks namely H.D.Kote, Hunsur, K.R.Nagar, Mysore,
Nanjangud, Periyapatna, and T. Narasipur for administrative purposes. The district
comprises 1216 inhabited villages with 235 grama panchayats and nine townships/
municipalities. In addition to this there are 124 uninhabited villages as per 2001
census. A map showing administrative set-up of the district is given as Fig-1 and
table 1.1

Table.1.1 Administrative set up of mysore district.

Sl.no Taluk Hoblies Grampanchayaths Inhabited Uninhabited
villages villages
1 h.d.kote 5 32 243 38
2 Hunsur 4 30 192 21
3 k.r.nagar 6 31 156 22
4 Mysore 4 35 131 12
5 Nanjangud 5 45 176 14
6 Periyapatna 4 26 197 6
7 T.Narasipura 5 36 121 11
8 Total 33 235 1216 124

1.4 Communications:
The district is well connected by all weather roads. The state highway connects the
district headquarters with the state capital and other important cities of the district.
The broad gauge railway line passes through Mysore and the taluk

7
8
headquarters of KR Nagar. All the other taluk headquarters and other towns are
connected by all weather roads thus making all parts of the district accessible
throughout the year.

1.5 Drainage
Mysore district is endowed with a number of perennial and non-perennial rivers. The
Cauvery, which is the major river system of the district, traverses the Mysore plateau
from northwest to east along with its tributaries, Kabini, Suvarnavathi,
Laxmanathirtha and others.

The Cauvery rises at Talacauvery in Kodagu district and flows along the boundary of
Periyapatna taluk, enters into the district through K R Nagar taluk. It further moves
into T. Narasipur and Kollegal before reaching Tamil Nadu.

The total catchment area of the river is the second largest in the State and it covers
nearly 18 per cent of the land area of the State. It is the only river which has been
harnessed for irrigation from ancient times and it is estimated that as much as 95 per
cent of its surface flow is put to use before it enters into the Bay of Bengal. The
drainage pattern is sub-dendritic to dendritic type in nature and is shown in fig 2.

1.6 Crops and Irrigation Practices:

The net sown area comprises 72% of the total geographical area, of which about
20% is sown more than once. Paddy is the major crop in the district and is grown in
favourable areas totalling about 1107 km2, followed by pulses and Ragi which are
cultivated in 913 and 722 km2 respectively. Other major crops grown in the district
are Cotton, Sugarcane, Jowar Tobacco and Oilseeds. About 17% of the total
geographical area is under irrigation in the district, comprising of the command area
of K.R.Sagar and Kabini Projects. The right bank high level canal of K.R.Sagar
known as the Varuna canal passes through Mysore, T. Narsipur, Nanjangud, &
H.D.Kote taluks. Out of the total area of 1180 km2 under irrigation about, 11% is
irrigated from groundwater by dug wells and bore wells. While canals account for
81% of the total area under irrigation, tanks account for approximately 7% of the total
area irrigated.

Agriculture is the predominant occupation of people in Mysore district. Of the total

geographical area of 676382 ha. in the district, about 342852 ha. is cultivable area.
There are 379670 Land holdings in the district; of them, 86763 are small( less than 2
ha.), 237060 are marginal(< 1 ha) and others are medium (2-10ha.) and large (>10
ha.) holdings. Besides, the district has about 1.65 lakh agricultural labourers. Based
on rainfall, soils and crops grown, the district is classified into two agro climatic zones
viz., Southern Dry Zone (Krishnarajanagar, Mysore,T.Narasipur and Nanjangud) and
Southern Transitional Zone (H.D.Kote, Hunsur and Periyapatna)

9
10
1.7 Activities carried out by CGWB:
Central Ground Water Board has carried out Systematic Hydrogeological surveys,
Reappraisal Hydrogeological surveys and Groundwater Exploration in the district.
The hydrogeological investigations and groundwater exploration during the first
phase have revealed the existence of potential zones within 100 meters depth in
granitic and gneissic formations. The report on Hydrogeological Conditions in
Mysore district was prepared in the year 1992. The report contained the details of old
Mysore district inclusive of present Chamarajanagar district.

2.0 RAINFALL AND CLIMATE

Mysore district receives an average rainfall of 776.7 mm. There are 53 rainy days in
the district on an average and about 50% of the annual rainfall occurs during the
southwest monsoon period (table 2.1). The rainfall generally decreases from west to
east. The coefficient of variation is around 30% in the west to above 35% in the east,
indicative of consistent rainfall in the west as compared to the east. The pre-
monsoon rainfall is more consistent than the post-monsoon rainfall. The southwest
monsoon had been normal from 1994 onwards till 1999, excessive during 2000 and
deficient thereafter. The northwest monsoon is much better as being excessive to
normal during the recent past. Over all on an annual basis, there are more normal
rainfall years than excessive and deficient ones. While during 1997, 1999, 2000 and
2005, the district received excess rainfall, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, it
received Normal except for 2006, during which the district received deficient rainfall.
o
The average minimum and maximum temperatures vary from 34 to 21.4 C in April to
o
16.4 to 28.5 C in January. Relative humidity ranges from 21 to 84%. Wind speed
ranges from 7.9 in October to 14.1 kmph in July. Annual potential evapo-transpiration
is 1533.5 mm. The PET is less than the monthly mean rainfall during the months of
July, September and October in different taluks, indicating availability of water
surplus for recharge to ground water.
Table-2.1 Taluk-wise Rainfall data of Mysore district
Sl. Taluk Number Normal Actual Rainy days
No. of Rain Rainfall Rainfall
gauge mm mm Normal Actual
Stations (1941-90) 2008 (1941-90) (2005)

1 H.D. Kote 7 832 789 59 85

2 Hunsur 7 739 719.2 55 90
3 K.R. Nagar 7 800 735.2 48 59
4 Mysore 6 784 709.8 55 60
5 Nanjangud 4 870 737.6 49 72
6 Periya Patna 6 830 835.0 62 77
7 T. Narasipura 6 712 770.4 45 67

Total/Average 42 767® 756.8® 51® 57®

Source: District at a glance- 2008-09 {®- district average (taluk centres)}

11
3.0 GEOMORPHOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES
Geomorphologically, the district is classified as denudational uplands with about 85
to 90% of the district falling in this category. The next important geomarphological
unit is older flood plains mainly in the H.D Kote taluk and parts of Mysore taluk.
Ridges and valleys form the third important unit and are mainly restricted to the
Nanjangud and H.D Kote taluk and north western part of Mysore taluk. Flat valleys
are not very common except for isolated appearances. The general elevation in the
district ranges from 700-800 m amsl except for the denudational hills and ridges.
However, the H.D Kote taluk in the southern parts of the district has higher elevation
ranging from 2200-3150 m amsl. The Mullur betta with an elevation of 3150 m amsl
falls in the area. The Hekkan betta (3732 m amsl) of the Naganpur Reserved Forest,
the Shigebetta (3724 m amsl) of the Ainurmarigudi Reserved Forest and the
Jainbaribetta (3231m amsl) of the Bedrampadi reserved forest mark the water divide
making the southern boundary of H.D. Kote taluk and also of the district.

The soil types of the district are grouped in to three viz., the red sandy soils, red
loamy soils and deep black soils. Almost entire district is covered by red sandy soil
except for small parts of T. Narapur taluk. The soils are having high permeability and
are neutral with a pH of 7. The thickness of the soil varies from less than a meter to 6
m. North-eastern part of T. Narasipur taluk comprises of red loamy soil. It is
characterized by clayey content mixed with sand. It is less permeable compare to the
sandy soil. It is having good moisture holding capacity and is fertile. The thickness
varies from less than a meter to 16 m. Deep Black soils occur in south-western part
of T. Narasipur taluk in a small area. These soils are dark brown, dark greyish brown
to very dark grey or black in colour. The texture is usually clayey throughout the
profile. These soils are fertile and generally produce good yields. Adequate soil and
water management practices and drainage facilities are essential to obtain
sustainable yields; otherwise salinity and water logging conditions may develop.
These soils need to be flushed once in 3-5 years with good quality water.

Geology
Geologically, the district is mainly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks of
Pre-Cambrian age either exposed at the surface or covered with a thin mantle of
residual and transported soils. The rock formation in the district falls into two groups,
charnockite series and granite gneiss and gneissic complex. Pegmatite veins and
dolerite dykes are commons intrusives in the area. The flat and low-lying areas are
covered by a thick mantle of fertile soil, while, the elevated portions and hills are
capped by laterite. Pegmatite veins and dolerite dyke are common in the district and
this has a bearing on the tectonic history of the area as well. Prominent lineaments
seen in the district are oriented in a NNE –SSW direction, N-S as well as NW-SE
direction. The foliation in the granitic gneiss is trending NE–SW to NNW-SSE with an
easterly dip of 40 to 80 in general. Faults are observed trending E-W to NW- SE.
Near Mysore town a big batholith is seen and is known as Chamundi granites. A
fairly wide area of the district consists of charnokite series of rocks, particularly along
the southeastern borders of Yelandur and Biligirirangana hills and also at the
western border near Hangod in Hunsur Taluk. The intervening ground consists of
granitic gneiss with thin beds, lenses of various hornblendic rocks, pyroxenites and

12
dunities containing chromate and magnesite. Dolerites are in large numbers to the
west of Hunsur and Gundlupet taluks.

The Sargur schist belt in H. D. Kote taluk extends from Sargur to Mysore city for
about 40 km. This belt was named as Sargur series. The series comprise of a
complex series of meta sediments and basic igneous rocks. The garnet sillimenite
gneiss and associated rocks occurring as patches within the genesis of southern
Mysore represent the remnants of the older khondalite - charnockite system.

The area between Bettadabidu and Doddakanya is essentially a flat lying gneissic
terrain with numerous enclaves of meta-sedimentary units consisting of quartzites,
pelitic schists, crystalline limestone, calc-silicates and ferruginous quartzites into
which the ultramafic and the basic rocks have been emplaced.

In the H. D. Kote and Gundlupet regions, the bands of highly altered rocks of kyanite,
staurolite, siliceous schists and also bands of limestone and quartizites are found.
These rocks are of great economic importance because of the presence of graphite,
corundum and garnets in them. They extend from Bilikere region up to the southern
border of the district in the south-southwest direction for nearly 50 km. Fine textured
granite beds are found in Mysore taluk and around Mysore city.

SOIL

Soil is red sandy loam in most of the areas of the district.. The soils of the districts
can be broadly classified as the laterite, red loam, sandy loam, red clay and black
cotton soils. The laterite soil occurs mostly in the western part of the district while the
red loam is found in the northwest. These two account for nearly half the area of the
district. The black cotton soil is found mostly in the northeastern parts of the district.
The red sandy loam soils are derived from the granites and gneisses. The western
taluks of Periyapatna, H D Kote and Hunsur are covered with hilly terrain and contain
red, shallow gravelly soils. In the taluks of T. Narasipura and Nanjanagud, there is
deep red loam occasionally interspersed with black soils. The red soils are shallow to
deep well drained and do not contain lime nodules. The black soils are 1 to 1.5 metre
in bases with good water holding capacity for a longer time.

CLIMATE AND RAINFALL

Temperature
Temperature influences considerably the socio-economic activities in a region. The
district in general enjoys cool and equable temperature. During the period from
March to May, there is continuous rise in temperature. April is the hottest month with
the mean daily maximum temperature at 34.5°C and the daily minimum at 21.1°C.
On normal days, the day temperatures during summer may exceed 39°C. There is
welcome relief from the heat when thunder showers occur during April and May. With
the advance of the southwest monsoon in the beginning of June, the day
temperatures drop appreciably and throughout the southwest monsoon period, the
weather is pleasant. After mid-November, both day and night temperatures decrease
progressively. January is the coldest month with mean daily maximum at 11°C.

13
Some days during the period from November to January, the minimum temperature
may go below 11°C.

The highest maximum temperature recorded at Mysore was 39.4°C on the 4th of
April 1917. The lowest minimum temperature was 10.6°C on the 13th of December
1945. The temperature remains nearly the same for several months but begins to
rise in February and touches the peak in either April or May.
Humidity
Relative humility is generally high during the southwest monsoon season. It is about
70 per cent and over in the mornings throughout the year, while in the afternoons, it
is comparatively lower except during the southwest monsoon. The period from
January to April is the driest part of the year with relative humility of about 30 per
cent and still lower in the afternoons.
Rainfall
The variation in the annual rainfall from year to year is not large during the 85 years
from 1901 to 1985, the highest annual rainfall amounting to 156 per cent of the
average annual rainfall had occurred in 1903 and the lowest occurred in 1918. It is
observed that the annual rainfall in the district was between 600 mm and 900 mm in
66 years out of the 85 years.

Monthly Distribution of Rainfall

The rainfall distribution in the district is confined to the months of April to November.
September is the rainiest month with 180.86 mm. January receives the lowest rainfall
of 2.02 mm. The rainfall from June to September constitutes only about 55.07 per
cent of the annual rainfall. The rainfall during the pre-monsoon months of April and
May and during the post-monsoon months of October and November are as much as
25.37 percent and 15.13 per cent, of the annual rainfall respectively.

Distribution of Rainfall
H. D. Kote, Hunsur, and Periyapatna taluks are cool and moist during winter and
rainy season and these taluks are located in the semi-malnad areas. The remaining
taluks are comparatively dry (except for the regions of rivers) during the year. In
1960, the highest rainfall of 920.1 mm was recorded in H D Kote and the lowest of
762.8 mm in Hunsur taluk. The distribution of average annual rainfall in the district
seems to be satisfactory with more than 762 mm. In 1965, the distribution of rainfall
in the district was not satisfactory. The highest rainfall of 817 mm was recorded in H
D Kote and the lowest of 420.9 mm in Nanjangud. In the year 1985, Less rainfall was
recorded in the district. The amount of rainfall received has been considerable from
1980 to 1985. However, during 1985-86, 1021 villages out of 1,837 villages were
declared as drought hit areas as the rainfall was much below the average. The H.D.
Kote taluk had the highest annual rainfall during 2003 (811.8 mm) and K. R. Nagar
had the lowest annual rainfall of 507.9mm.

Special Weather Phenomena such as depressions and cyclonic storms originate in

the Bay of Bengal During October and November. Such depressions and storms
pass through or remain in the neighborhood of the district causing widespread,
heavy rains and high winds. Thunderstorms are common during the post-monsoon

14
months. Rainfall during the monsoon season is also sometimes associated with
thunder.

4.0 GROUND WATER SCENARIO

4.1 Hydrogeology:
Hydrogeologically, the area forms a part of hard rock terrain comprising of
granites, gneisses, charnockites and amphibolites. Pegmatite veins and dolerite
dykes are common intrusive in the area. The flat and low-lying areas are covered by
a thick mantle of fertile soil, while, the elevated portions and hills are capped by
laterite. The occurrence and movement of ground water depends on the secondary
porosities like weathering, fracturing, faulting and other lineaments. This has a
bearing on the tectonic history of the area as well. Prominent lineaments seen in the
district are oriented in a NNE –SSW direction N-S as well as in NW-SE direction. The
foliation in the granitic gneiss is trending NE–SW to NNW-SSE with an easterly dip of
40 to 80. Faults are observed trending E-W to NW- SE, especially in the southern
part of the district. There are alluvial aquifers of limited aerial extent and thickness
having primary porosity occurring along river courses. The river sections contain
sand, silt and gravel in varying proportions. Hard rocks do not posses primary
porosity and the ground water occurs under phreatic conditions in weathered zones
of granites and gneiss. Water is under semi-confined to confined conditions in joints
and fractures of these rocks at deeper levels. In granites and gneisses, weathering
has given rise to thick sandy residuum down to the depth of 2.0 and 20.0 m. and
forms important phreatic aquifers in the district. These aquifers are developed by
dug wells and dug-cum-bore wells. The depth of dug wells in the district range from
5.28 to 17.59 mbgl. and cross sectional area varies from 5.39 to 115.31 m2. The
specific capacities of these wells range from 23 to 966 lpm/m and the discharges
range from 4.5 to105.6 m3/hour. The draw-downs range between 0.65 and 4.44 m.
The specific capacities in alluvial areas are higher ranging from 131 to 884 lpm/m.

Fractured granites and gneisses form prolific deeper aquifers in some parts of the
district. In charnockites, specific capacities are in the range of 23 to 115 lpm/m while
the major rock type viz granites and granite gneisses have recorded specific
capacities in the range of 42 to 966 lpm /m. The transmissivities range between 21
and 912 m²/d. It is observed that the aquifers falling in about 90% of the district yield
up to 5 lps. There are small patches of areas where yield is less than one lps. There
are small areas having high yield up to 30 lps. The Hydrogeological map of the
district is presented in Fig 3.

4.1.1 Aquifer systems encountered in the area

The study of aquifer geometry and parameters have been attempted by Central
Ground Water Board, South western Region, Bangalore, under its ground water
exploration programme through drilling exploratory bore wells at selected places.
Ground water occurs under phreatic conditions in the weathered rocks, top-soils and
in river alluvium. Occurrence and movement of ground water is controlled by degree
of weathering and fracturing in the weathered zone. These aquifers are developed by
dug wells, dug-cum-bore wells and shallow tube wells. The depth of dug wells in the
district range from 5.28 to 17.59 m bgl. Cross sectional area of dug wells vary in the
range of 5.39 to 115.31 m2. The specific capacity of these wells in the area ranges

15
from 23 to 966 lpm/m and the discharge ranges from 4.5 to 105.6 m3/hr. The draw
down varies from 0.65 to 4.44 m.

16
 Ground water occurs under semi-confined to confined conditions in fractures
and joints below the zone of weathering. The occurrence and movement of ground
water is controlled by intensity of fracturing and their inter connection. This zone is
developed by bore wells. Depth of aquifer in this zone ranges from ranges from 25
to 90 m. Discharge ranges from less than one to 8 lps. Drawdown ranges from 0.5 to
23 m for pumping duration of 100 minutes. The transmissivity ranges from 0.5 – 819
m2/day/m. It is observed that the fracture aquifer system falling in about 90% of the
district yields upto 5 litres/second (lps). There are small patches of areas where yield
is less than one lps and high yields of up to 30 lps.

4.1.2 Occurrence of ground water

Ground water in the district generally occurs under unconfined to semi-
confined conditions. In the shallower zones it is under phreatic conditions and in
deeper zones it is under semi-confined conditions. Within the depth range of 10.00 to
20.00 m bgl ground water is being exploited through dug wells and from 30.00 to
92.00 m bgl through dug-cum-bore wells or bore wells. Exploration has proved the
presence of prolific aquifers at greater depths.

4.1.3 Depth to Water Level

The water levels at National Hydrograph Stations are monitored by the Central
Ground Water Board regularly to keep a constant watch on ground water regime.
While preparing this report, water level data of these NH Stations for the past ten
years were analyzed.

The depth to water levels in the district during premonsoon 2011

During the premonsoon period (May 2011) in a major part of the district the
water level is within the ranges of 2-5m and 5 to 10 m and is shown in figure 4. The
water level data from national hydrograph stations were used to generate the map.
Water levels below 2m and above 10 m are observed in isolated patches in the
northern and southern part of the district respectively.

Post-monsoon season (Nov 2011)

During the post monsoon period groundwater levels within the range of 2 to 5m is
recorded in major part of the area. Depth to water level between o to 2m and 5-10m
are observed in isolated patches as shown in figure 5.

Seasonal fluctuation in water level

Consequent upon rainfall, the water levels record a rise, indicating the build
up of storage in ground water reservoir. During the non-monsoon period, this gets
depleted due to exploitation. Therefore, the water levels, in general show, a
receding trend from December to May. As far as seasonal fluctuation is concerned,
rise in water levels is observed throughout the district (except for a lone well in
Nanjangud taluk) and it is in the range of 0.53 m to 10.65 m. The extent of seasonal
fluctuation in the district indicates that good recharge of the phreatic aquifer is taking
place under prevailing conditions

17
 Fig.4

18
 Fig. 5

19
 The long term mean water level for May and November months is being
compared with the present scenario. Ground water level fluctuation in May 2011 with
respect to decadal mean (may2001-may2010) is shown in figure 6. Major part of the
district shows 0- 2m rise while western part of the district recorded 2-4 rise. Very
small area shows more than 4m rise and small patches are noticed with 0-2m and 2-
4 m fall and more than 4m fall is not recorded.

Ground water level fluctuation in November 2011 with respect to decadal

mean(November2001- November 2010) is given in figure 7. Major part of the district
shows 0-2- rise, However, a significant part of the district shows 0-2mfall also.

4.2 Ground water Resources:

Net annual ground water availability in the district is 41143.06 ham and the
total annual ground water draft is 23822.33 ham. The resource available for future
development is 17761.65 ham, which can create additional ground water irrigation
potential of 19577.35 ha. The ground water development in the district is 63%. When
considered taluk wise, the ground water development is highest (about 88%) in
Mysore taluk, followed by Nanjangud (73%), T. Narasipura (71%), Hunsur (57%),
Periyapatna (42%), K.R. Nagar (39%) and H.D. Kote (37%) taluks.

The taluk-wise groundwater resource (2008-09) is given in the table-4.1. The

perusal of this table indicates that, the annual ground water recharge for the whole
district is 42944.34 ham. The maximum being 9963 ham in H.D. Kote taluk and the
least of 3357.35 ham in T. Narasipura taluk.

The annual draft for domestic and industrial uses in Mysore district, is 3915.16 ham
and the draft for irrigation purposes is 19922.70 ham. It is further observed that the
total ground water draft during the year 2004 was 23822.33 ham. It is also observed
that highest draft is recorded in Mysore taluk (5962.30) and the least in K.R. Nagar
taluk (1259.23 ham). The taluk-wise stage of ground water development details
computed for the district in the ground water estimation studies for the year 2004 is
given in table-4.1.

4.3 Unit area annual groundwater recharge

4.3 Unit Area Annual Ground Water Recharge

Sustainability of ground water resource depends mainly on two factors viz. Annual
ground water recharge and annual ground water draft. The annual ground water
recharge depends on the quantity and intensity of rain fall, the infiltration
characteristics of the soil, the depth to ground water level, the slope of the area and
the geomorphology. The ground water recharge is assessed separately for the
monsoon and non monsoon period due to rainfall as well as due to other sources.
The annual ground water recharge includes all the above.

20
 Fig. 6

21
 Fig. 7

22
 TABLE 4.1: TALUK WISE GROUND WATER RESOURCES AND CATAGORISATION OF
MYSORE DISTRICT, KARNATAKA (2008-09)

GROUND WATER DRAFT FOR

ALLOCATION FOR DOMESTIC

INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
CATAGORISATION AS ON MARCH

EXISTING GROSS GROUND

EXISTING GROSS GROUND

FOR FUTURE IRRIGATION

USE FOR NEXT 25 YEARS
2004

DRAFT FOR ALL USES

NET GROUND WATER

FOR DOMESTIC AND

EXISTING STAGE OF

CRITICAL AREA (%)

OVER-EXPLOITED
GROUND WATER

GROUND WATER
EXISTING GROSS

AND INDUSTRIAL
SL TALUK

SAFE AREA (%)

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT
WATER DRAFT

SEMICRITICAL
AVAILABILITY

AVAILABILITY
NO

NET ANNUAL

IRRIGATION

AREA (%)

AREA (%)
WATER
HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM HAM
1 H.D. KOTE 8055 3404 441 3845 652 4111 48 69 19 - 12
2 HUNSUR 6376 2002 211 2213 268 4302 35 73 - - 27
3 K.R. NAGAR 7319 2021 267 2287 637 4688 31 97 - - 3
4 MYSORE 4211 3364 167 3520 181 784 84 27 - - 73
5 NANJANGUD 10659 3904 405 4309 734 6040 40 - 80 - 20
6 PERIYAPATNA 6415 1289 235 1524 322 4804 24 SAFE - - -
7 T. NARSIPURA 12933 3557 377 3934 631 8806 30 57 3 8 32
TOTAL 55968 19541 2093 21634 4056 33535
The recharge from other sources includes return seepage from irrigated area,
seepage from canals, seepage from water bodies, seepage from influent rivers etc.
The recharge can be expressed in metres. In the state of Karnataka, the unit area
recharge is grouped into four categories viz. 0.025-0.10m, 0.10-0.15m, 0.15-0.25m
and 0.25-0.50m. In Mysore district the unit area annual recharge is in the range of
0.025-0.10m in H.D.Kote, Hunsur,K.R.Nagar and Periyapatna taluks and in the
range of 0.1 to 0.15 in Nanjangud and Mysore taluks and in the range of 0.15 to
0.25m in T.Narasipura taluk as shown in figure. 8.

4.4 Status of Ground Water Development:

In most parts of the district, ground water is the major source for domestic and
drinking purposes. Out of the total area of 1180 km2 under irrigation, about 11% is
irrigated using ground water through dug wells and bore wells. Farmers with small
land holdings depend mainly on the rainwater and water available in the shallow
wells. There are 4501 dug wells and 16478 bore wells in the district as per third MI
census. Out of these 87 dug wells and 349 bore wells are not in use due to various
reasons including drying up of the wells. Taluk-wise break up of these wells is
presented in table –4.2.
Table-4.2 : Distribution of Wells according to status as per MI Census 2000-01
Sl Wells in Use Wells not in use
No Taluk
Dug Wells Bore Wells Dug Wells BW
1 H.D. Kote 261 2506 21 47
2 Hunsur 853 2381 3 57
3 K.R. Nagar 621 823 11 22
4 Mysore 222 3155 9 50
5 Nanjangud 604 3077 17 81
6 Periyapatna 187 2033 13 78
7 T. Narasipura 1753 2503 13 14
Total 4501 16478 87 349

4.4.1 Water Lifting Devices

Water lifting devices used in the district are Electric motor, Diesel Pump, Wind Mill
and manual / animal operated. Electric pump is the most common water-lifting
device, being used in more than 90% of the wells as given in table 4.3.

Table-4.3 : Distribution of wells according to water lifting device as per MI Census 2000-01.

Lifting Device Dug Well Bore Well Total

Electric Pump 4209 15188 19397
Diesel 263 535 798
Wind Mill 13 331 344
Solar 0 0 0
Manual / Animal Operated 3 10 13
Others 100 763 863
Total 4588 16827 21415
Fig. 8
4.4.2 Water Lifting Devices
Capacity of pumps used in the area to draw ground water ranges from less
than 2HP to >10HP. While more than 85% of the wells are fitted with 4 to 6 HP
motor, a very small number around 0.03% are fitted with more than 10HP motor.
Distribution of wells according to Horse Power is given in table-4.4.
Table-4.4 : Distribution of Wells according to Horse Power
Horse Power
Not
Type of well 0-2 2-4 4-6 6-8 8 - 10 > 10
Specified
Dug Well 37 229 3862 251 89 4 116
Bore Well 268 612 14461 311 68 3 1104
Total 305 841 18323 562 157 7 1220
Percentage 1.42 3.93 85.6 2.62 0.7 0.03 5.7
4.4.3 Drinking water Wells
As per the records, as on 31.3.2006, the domestic water requirement is
catered through 994 numbers of Mini-water supply schemes, 1,489 numbers of piped
water supply schemes through borewells along with 10,411 bore wells installed with
hand pumps. In most parts of the district, ground water is major source for domestic
and drinking purposes.
4.4 Ground Water Quality:
Quality of groundwater in the district, in general, is good and potable. Central
ground Water Board monitors quality of ground water in phreatic aquifers in the
district from a network of NH Stations every year. It is observed that ground water
quality in the district in general is very good. However inland salinity is reported from
isolated patches as in Saligram, Begur and Madhur where the EC is above
permissible limits. North-eastern part of Piriya Patna, north-western part of K.R.
Nagar, north-western part of Mysore, south-western part of T. Narsipur, eastern part
of Nanjangud and central part of H.D. Kote have nitrate concentration above
permissible limits. Nitrate is above permissible limits around Elivala, Bilikere,
Hangod, Bettadapura, Hosur, Saligrama, Kalyanapuram, Palaya, Madhur, Muguru
area also. Samples from exploratory bore wells represent water quality of deeper
aquifer in the district. Analysis results of samples from these bore wells indicate that
in general quality of ground water from semi-confined and confined aquifers in the
district is good and potable. pH ranges from 7.38 to 8.81. EC ranges from 360 to
3268 µs/cm at 250C (Hebbalguppe). In major part of the district nitrate is within
permissible limits except at Mugur, Thirakanur, Yelgundi, Gundip and Hebbalaguppe.
Chloride is in permissible limits in the entire district. Except a small pocket in the
southern part of Mysore taluk fluoride distribution is within permissible limits. Based
on the groundwater quality the area vulnerable to groundwater contamination has
been demarcated and given in figure. 9

5. GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

5.1 Ground water development:

The average stage of ground water development in the district is 63%
indicating that that there are areas where there is scope for further development. A
hydro geological map showing water-bearing formations, yield potential, decadal
mean water level and isohyets is shown in fig 3. Sustainability of ground water
resource and its judicious use should be given prime importance while making
 Fig. 9

27
development strategy. In critical and over-exploited areas, artificial recharge and
rainwater harvesting measures are recommended to augment to ground water
system. About 17761.65 ham of ground water resource is available in the district for
further development. The development is recommended only in area categorised as
safe and semi-critical (Fig- 10). In such areas, potential aquifers can be located by
hydrogeological surveys aided by geophysical methods. Dug wells and filter-points
are recommended only in river and valley banks where sufficient thickness of valley-
fill is available, which gets saturated during rainy seasons. Ground water
development in other feasible areas should be done by bore wells. Spacing norm of

200 m may be strictly adhered to avoid interference. Aquifer should be pumped as

per crop water requirement.

In areas, which are categorized as critical and over-exploited, growing crops like
paddy, sugarcane etc, having high water requirement may be avoided. Advance
irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation may be practiced.

In the command areas conjunctive use of surface and ground water may be
practiced to avoid long-term hazards like water logging and ground water as well as
soil salinity problems.

5.2 Water conservation and Artificial Recharge:

Groundwater in the district can be augmented by opting for rainwater harvesting and
artificial recharge structures to harvest non-committed surface runoff. In the western
part of the district where the topography is hilly and rugged artificial recharge
structures like nalla and gully plugs contour bunds and contour trenches and nalla
bunds may be constructed and in comparatively plain areas percolation tanks and
point recharge structures like recharge shafts recharge pits and recharging through
existing dug/bore wells may be practiced. In semi-urban areas in the district, lot of
roof area is available for rooftop rainwater harvesting. So in these semi-urban areas
rooftop rainwater harvesting practices may be encouraged. This will help in reducing
the load on urban water supply systems. The area suitable for artificial recharge in
the district is shown in figure 12.

6. GROUND WATER RELATED ISSUES & PROBLEMS

There is over exploitation of ground water resource in 73% area of Mysore, 32%
area of T. Narasipura, 27% of Hunsur and 20% area of Nanjangud taluks. This over-
exploitation has resulted in depletion of water levels. Artificial recharge measures are
required to be taken up in these areas on priority basis. Mysore, the district
headquarters is the only urban centre in the district. Presently the Ground water here
is not under threat as the city is provided with piped water supply from surface water
sources. Studies on the pollution aspects related to the urbanization didn’t reveal any
significant adverse effect in water quality. Nitrate concentration of more than
permissible limit exists in many parts of the district. This may be due to indiscriminate
use of fertilizer and biological contamination from decaying vegetation. Judicious
use of fertilizer and proper care in disposing the biological waste coupled with
artificial recharge (in favourable areas) can address this problem.

28
 Fig. 11

29
.
7. AWARENESS AND TRAINING ACTIVITY

7.1 Mass Awareness Programmes (MAP):

Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region organized a Mass
Awareness Pragramme on “Protection and Conservation of Ground Water”
conducted at J.S.S.P.P.H Auditorium, S.J.C.E. Campus, Manasa Gangothri, Mysore.
The participants included students, senior citizens, progressive farmers, advocates
and representatives from NGOs. During the programme technical presentations on
the theme of the programme were given by Scientists of Central Ground Water
Board, South Western Region, Bangalore. An exhibition depicting various aspects of
protection and conservation of water including various rainwater harvesting and
artificial recharge techniques was also organized on the occasion.

7.2 Participation in Exhibition, Mela, fair etc:

CGWB has not participated in any Exhibition, Mela, Fair, etc. but organised
Exhibition on its own as part of Mass Awareness Programme conducted at Mysore
during February 2004.

8.0 AREAS NOTIFIED BY CGWA/SGWA

No area in the district is notified so far.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
As already discussed the average stage of ground water development in the district
is 63% indicating that there are areas where there is scope for further development.
Categorisation of the areas is shown in Fig 6 . It may be noted that all command
areas are under safe category. Categorization as shown in the fig is only for non-
command areas. While K. R. Nagar and Periyapatna taluks are safe for ground water
development, whereas in Nanjangud no area is safe except canal command. Rest of
the taluks are partly safe and partly over-exploited. But all the command areas
falling in the district are safe for further development. The dugwells, which penetrate
partially the weathered, fractured zones of the aquifers, may be deepened further for
the better productivity. Construction of check dams and sub surface dykes at
appropriate places across the nallahs and streams in the water-table depleting areas
of Mysore, T. Narasipura, Hunsur, H.D. Kote and Nanjangud taluks may be
envisaged. A comprehensive programme has to be formulated to harvest the rain
water through roof top, check dams, surface tanks, bunds and subsurface dykes to
use the resources directly from the structures, which in turn will arrest the sub-
surface flows and augment the groundwater resources. Ground water usage should
be encouraged in topographic lows and valley areas of low water level fluctuations
with adequate soil conservation measures to prevent the soil erosions. Constant
monitoring of ground water quality should be carried out in the Canal command
areas to prevent the pollution and related problems. Determination of trace elements
and organic compound should be done to help in categorizing the quality of water.
Ground water in canal command area is found under-developed therefore, it is
strongly recommended to prepare an action plan to bring more area under
conjunctive use of ground water and surface water irrigation. Conjunctive use of both
Surface and Ground water practiced in the canal command area would improve the
30
quality of ground water, prevent the water logging conditions and availability of canal
water to the tail end areas. The ground water development should be allowed only
areas, which are categorised as safe and semi-critical with caution. Mass awareness
programmes should be conducted for public awareness about the limited availability
of ground water resource. For domestic purposes dug wells are ideal structures in
denudational uplands and older flood plains while in the rest of the area the wate
level is expected to be deep and may dry up in summer. For domestic purposes 2.5
m dia dug well down to 8-14 m will be ideal where as for irrigational purposes deeper
dug wells with depth ranging from 14-18 m bgl with a dia of 5-6 m is recommended.
The locations for bore wells are site specific and have to be pinpointed based on
scientific investigations. In general the lineaments trending NE-SW and E-W are
expected to be have higher yield. Sites for bore wells and dug wells should selected
with the technical advice from technical qualified persons. The bore well may be
constructed down to 200 m with a dia of 152 to 165 mm. Since potential fracture
zones are encountered with in a depth zone of 100 m, small capacity DTH Rig is
sufficient for drilling borewells for domestic purposes of 152 mm diameter. For
irrigation bore wells a depth of 200 m with a diameter of 152 to 165 mm is
recommended. The thickness of weathered formation hardly exceeds 22 m and
hence there is no problem for lowering the casing pipes. However, at places loose
boulders are encountered just above the bedrock thereby creating problems for
proper sitting of casing pipe. In cases where boulder problems are encountered
reaming of the borehole with mud circulation before lowering the casing is
recommended. Cement sealing provided in the annular space ensures longer life of
the well. Farmers should be educated to grow less water intensive crops and adopt
micro irrigation system. Government should provide subsidy such irrigation systems.
Artificial recharge structures should be constructed in feasible areas for augmenting
ground water resource and to improve ground water quality.

31